Frank Teschemacher facts for kids

Frank Teschemacher (born March 13, 1906 – died March 1, 1932) was an American jazz musician. He was a talented clarinet player and also played the alto saxophone. Frank was part of a famous group called the "Austin High" gang, which included other great musicians like Jimmy McPartland and Bud Freeman.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Frank Teschemacher was born in Kansas City, Missouri. However, he spent most of his life and career in Chicago, Illinois. Sometimes his music took him to New York City, other parts of the U.S. Midwest, and even Florida.

Frank was a member of the Austin High School Gang. This was a group of young musicians from the West Side of Chicago. They all went to Austin Community Academy High School in the early 1920s. This group became very well known for creating the "Chicago Style" of jazz. This new style was a faster version of New Orleans jazz.

Frank Teschemacher's Music Career

Frank Teschemacher was greatly inspired by the cornet player Bix Beiderbecke. Frank mostly taught himself how to play his instruments. When he was younger, he also played the violin and banjo. He started playing the clarinet professionally in 1925.

First Recordings and Collaborations

Frank began recording his own music in 1928. His first recording was with Red McKenzie and Eddie Condon's Chicagoans. This happened on December 9, 1927, for Okeh Records. They recorded songs like "Sugar" and "China Boy." A week later, they recorded "Nobody’s Sweetheart" and "Liza." Members of the Austin High School Gang, including Jimmy McPartland and Bud Freeman, were part of these recordings.

In the spring of 1928, he recorded with other groups led by Red McKenzie and Eddie Condon. These groups were called the Chicago Rhythm Kings and the Jungle Kings. On April 28, 1928, Frank made his first recordings under his own name. These were for Brunswick Records and included "Jazz Me Blues" and "Singing the Blues." His group was known as Frank Teschmacher's Chicagoans.

Musical Influence and Later Work

Frank Teschemacher's unique solo playing helped create a rich sound. His creative style influenced many musicians, including a young Benny Goodman. He also made recordings playing the saxophone. Later in his career, during the Great Depression, he went back to playing the violin. He played with Jan Garber's sweet dance orchestra.

Frank Teschemacher was featured in a famous documentary about jazz. He appeared in episode two, "The Gift," of the 2001 series Jazz by Ken Burns. This documentary was shown on PBS and talked about the Austin High School Gang.

His Final Years

Frank Teschemacher passed away in a car accident. This happened on the morning of March 1, 1932. He was a passenger in a car driven by his friend and fellow musician, cornet player "Wild" Bill Davison. Frank was just twelve days away from his 26th birthday.